Vacation in Chicago’s Millennium Park

Summer is here in the beautiful city of Chicago and there is no better way to kick it off then with a fun-filled day in Millennium Park. We at Great Girl Trips just spent a day in Chicago and here is how to enjoy your very own one day vacation in the Windy City.

7:30 a.m. Rise and Shine ladies … time to hit Fox & Obel for some delicious coffee and a healthy start parfait … or if you really want to image you are on a mini vacation order the Truffled Eggs Benedict. Nothing says vacation like hollandaise sauce … yum!

8:30 a.m. Walk to Millennium Park. First planned in 1997 this 24.5 acre public outdoor park is home to some of the most fascinating art and architecture in Chicago and a wonderful place to spend the day… yes … the entire day.

9:00 a.m. Pilates in the Park. Head to the Great Lawn with that room towel you swiped (I know you will bring it back tonight) and get set for a one of a kind class outdoors. The great thing about Pilates … you don’t have to worry about getting too sweaty.

10:30 a.m. Lurie Garden Guided Walk. Take twenty minutes to enjoy nature in the heart of the urban jungle.

11:30 a.m. Head to the welcome center for a forty-five minute art and architecture walking tour of Millennium Park.

12:30 p.m. Cross the park and enter the Art Institute of Chicago. Grab a bite at Terzo Piano, make sure and ask for outdoor seating so you can enjoy the view of Millennium Park with your delicious fresh organic pasta.

1:30 p.m. Art Institute of Chicago. Not only is this one of the greatest museums in the United States … but they have recently opened a Modern Art wing! This 264,000 square foot building houses some of the world’s greatest modern art. Even if modern art is not your thing you can always find something fun and funky … perfect for a Great Girl Trip mini vacation. Make sure and go check out my favorite painting … Picasso’s The Old Guitarist.

5:30 p.m. Park Grill Restaurant. Located in Millennium Park, here you will find everything you need for a picnic dinner. Picnic bags cost $15 per person and include a side, entrée, and drink (non alcoholic). You will also find hummus (or yummus as I like to call it) and a delicious farmers cheese plate.

6:30 p.m. Take your goodies and head to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for the Grant Park Music Festival. All summer long you can hear some of Chicago’s finest orchestras and music ensembles. Times vary so check before their website before your visit.

9:00 p.m. Nightcap at The Plaza at Park Grill. Sit back and enjoy a mojito under the stars.